When an insecure, bi-racial woman begins a cloak-and-dagger love affair with a Japanese American man, she is intent on keeping her bigoted family in the dark—albeit with devastating consequences. On the night of her brother’s murder, Deena Hammond stumbles upon Takumi Tanaka, lost and on the wrong end of a .32. After rescuing him from the certain fate driving through the hood in a Porsche will bring, a sweet kind of friendship begins. A balm for her grief. Maybe, Deena likes to think, it happened the day her white mother killed her black father. Or maybe, it was always a part of them, like DNA gone bad. Whatever the case, Deena knows that her family would never approve, hell, never acknowledge her fast-growing love for Takumi. And had he never made love to her that way, in that unraveling, soul-searching sort of way, she could’ve done the same. But love’s a devil that way. So, their game begins. One where they hide what they are from everyone. Anyone. And Tak understands this—for now. After all, Deena’s career hinges on the favor of her mentor and boss, his hard-ass of a father. And the Hammond family is already stretched thin with grief. Yet, each step Deena takes toward family and career brings her closer to an acceptance she’s never had. And away from him.

With remarkable skill, Shewanda Pugh paints a picture of a bi-racial woman from a disadvantaged background who is smart and ambitious enough to succeed at life, despite her family’s efforts to bring her right back down.

Deena Hammond is a great protagonist. She’s got a foot in two worlds as we begin. We see her in her fancy suit, getting off a bus and arriving in a poor, gang-ridden neighborhood. Her family derides her for her fancy ways and are just as biased against her white half as many others are biased against the black.

I felt both badly for and so proud of Deena as I read this book. Her life is a struggle and she does her best to make it through. When she finally finds someone she can love, and who loves her right back it’s just another struggle. Why? Well, he’s Japanese and exceptionally wealthy (two HUGE strikes against him).

I wasn’t sure I’d like this book. The blurb doesn’t do it justice but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It’s bold and tragic and sweet and encouraging. The author’s writing skills can’t be faulted. She created a world that was vivid and real and then invites the reader in. Even with my very busy life, I managed to read this book in just a couple of days, and even now I think about it. There are more stories here to tell: I’d love to know the story behind Deena’s mother and the murder of her father. There are hints that it’s not all what it seems. And Deena has another sibling she’s trying to save. I’d like to see her sister’s story, too. Then there’s Tak… he’s such an awesome hero, and he has family I became attached to as well. I’m sure they have plenty to say!

If you’d like a book full of angst and love, family drama and family redemption, from an author who has amazing skills with the written word, I recommend you give this book a try. I bet you won’t regret it.

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Review Star Rating Definitions

1 Star – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If it’s DNF or a “wall-banger” we decline to review.

2 Stars — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you’d re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library – not buy- and never check out again. You might recommend it to a friend with a mention of the glitches, knowing that something in the plot or story would still appeal to them regardless.

3 Stars — Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn’t consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There’s a chance you’ll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn’t go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars — Very Good. You’re glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars — Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book – For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you’re not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise – and reserved for only a few.

Review Heat Level Descriptions

SWEET: no visual love scenes and no descriptive kissing;

SENSUAL: Contains a high degree of sexual tension, steamy kisses and passionate clinches, but all fully consummated love scenes will be implied, not described, and with the bedroom door firmly closed.

SPICY: Contains actual love scenes and may include detailed descriptions of foreplay and consummation.

HOT: Contains sizzling and very detailed love scenes throughout and graphic, explicit content which may be offensive to some.

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FTC Disclaimer:

Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. On occasion, we review books we have purchased with our own money or borrowed from a public library. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.